September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

12.5 million US children are obese, but we can make changes to ensure our children live active, healthy lives. Childhood obesity is a major public health problem. In the US, 17% of children are obese, and certain groups of children are even more severely affected by this problem. Nearly 27% of Mexican-American boys are obese, and nearly 30% of non-Hispanic black girls are obese.

There is no single or simple solution to childhood obesity. It is influenced by many different factors, including a lack of access to healthy food and drinks as well as limited opportunities for physical activity in the places where children live, play and learn. Working together, states, communities, and parents can help make the healthy choice the easy choice for children and adolescents.

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month (NCOAM), and you can also pledge to spread the word:

• Become a fan of CDC's Facebook page.

• Share our posts throughout the month with your fans and friends.

• Follow CDC on Twitter and tweet and re-tweet information and links.

• Tag your tweets #NCOAM to join the conversation.

Learn more about what CDC's state-based programs are doing for NCOAM:
http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/index.html?s_cid=govD_dnpao_112&source=govdelivery

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/?source=govdelivery

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/?s_cid=govD_dnpao_115&source=govdelivery

Va. weighs regulating school snacks to fight obesity

Recent Virginian Pilot article:


http://hamptonroads.com/2011/07/va-weighs-regulating-school-snacks-fight-obesity

"The Obesity Epidemic" video from the CDC.

This video explains the many factors that have contributed to the obesity epidemic, and showcases several community initiatives taking place to prevent and reduce obesity. Obesity is a national epidemic and a major contributor to some of the leading causes of death in the U.S., including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some types of cancer. We need to change our communities into places that strongly support healthy eating and active living. www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/ObesityEpidemic

Healthy You for Life classes in Suffolk

Children who weigh more than they should risk serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and artery-damaging high cholesterol. If your child has difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters and the YMCA can help.
"Healthy You" is the region's only weight management program designed specifically for young people. It includes individual assessments, a 10 week series of healthy lifestyle classes and an 8-week membership to the YMCA. Parents and children will have the opportunity to:

• Learn the fundamentals of good nutrition and portion control
• Kick-start a personal exercise program that is fun and motivating
• Gain support and hope from other children and families with similar concerns

Suffolk 2011 classes -Youth Class (ages 8 - 12): Mondays & Thursdays, 9/26/11, 6:30 - 8:00 pm at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave, Suffolk
Teen Class (ages 13 and up) will be offered in the spring.
Call 668-7035 for registration material and fee information. Tuition assistance is available

Obesity Resources

Yoga for Kids: A Good Idea?

What If I Don't Like Sports?

Get Active

Make Physical Activity a Part of Your Family's Routine

Raising a Fit Preschooler

Parent-Only Treatment May Be Equally Effective for Children Who Are Obese

ScienceDaily, 10/25/2010
A study led by a researcher at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine indicates that parent-only treatments for childhood obesity work equally as well as plans that include parents and child, while at the same time more cost effective and potentially easier for families.
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101021152352.htm

Envision Transportation

Help shape the future of transportation in Virginia Beach.
Community Dialogues at VB public Library. (see website for schedule)

Thursday, Oct. 28 - Complete Streets

Thursday, Nov. 4 - Community, Walkability, and Livability

For more information go to http://envisiontransportation.com/register-to-participate/events/240-sperker-series

The impact of the availability of school vending machines on eating behavior during lunch: the Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey.

Abstract
Childhood obesity is a major public health concern and is associated with substantial morbidities. Access to less-healthy foods might facilitate dietary behaviors that contribute to obesity. However, less-healthy foods are usually available in school vending machines. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of students buying snacks or beverages from school vending machines instead of buying school lunch and predictors of this behavior. Analyses were based on the 2003 Florida Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey using a representative sample of 4,322 students in grades six through eight in 73 Florida public middle schools. Analyses included χ2 tests and logistic regression. The outcome measure was buying a snack or beverage from vending machines 2 or more days during the previous 5 days instead of buying lunch. The survey response rate was 72%. Eighteen percent of respondents reported purchasing a snack or beverage from a vending machine 2 or more days during the previous 5 school days instead of buying school lunch. Although healthier options were available, the most commonly purchased vending machine items were chips, pretzels/crackers, candy bars, soda, and sport drinks. More students chose snacks or beverages instead of lunch in schools where beverage vending machines were also available than did students in schools where beverage vending machines were unavailable: 19% and 7%, respectively (P≤0.05). The strongest risk factor for buying snacks or beverages from vending machines instead of buying school lunch was availability of beverage vending machines in schools (adjusted odds ratio=3.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.2 to 5.7). Other statistically significant risk factors were smoking, non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity, Hispanic ethnicity, and older age. Although healthier choices were available, the most common choices were the less-healthy foods. Schools should consider developing policies to reduce the availability of less-healthy choices in vending machines and to reduce access to beverage vending machines. 2010 American Dietetic Association, Dr. Welch

A free live webinar! Obesity in America

Upcoming webinar hosted by HERO:
Obesity in America:
Consequences and Strategies

This webinar will provide insight into the latest on:
The state of the obesity epidemic
Consequences
Priority strategies
Initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels
Dr. William Dietz, MD, PhDDirector, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity - CDC
November 9, 2010
Time:
1:00-2:00 PM Eastern


To Register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/190727176

National Center for Biking and Walking Report

The National Center for Biking and Walking just published a report titled “Increasing Physical Activity through Community Design” that I thought you all might be interested in given our recent tour and your grant pursuit. The report is attached, and the direct web-link to it is: http://www.bikewalk.org/pdfs/2010/IPA_full.pdf

Article - Healthy kids options at restaurant in Ashville.

Asheville area restaurants rethinking kids' menus to fight childhood obesity...
http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20100830/LIVING/308300015

Al’s Pals at Family Focus

“Al’s Pals: Kids Making Healthy Choices” program is a comprehensive approach in working with children. The goal of this program is to offer effective strategies to teach young children how to get along with others, solve problems, use self control, manage anger and make healthy choices. In addition to the Al's Pals curriculum we will add a healthy nutrition and fitness component from the Color Me Healthy curriculum.
All preschool-aged children (ages 3-4) are invited to join the Al’s Pals Program at the Stoneybrook location in Newport News.The program operates September 8, 2010 through June 8, 2011 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays — 9:30 am to Noon.
Space is still available!
For more information or to register, please call (757) 886-6511 or (757) 833-3054.
Maximum class size 15. A parent or guardian must remain on the premises during class sessions.

New Tool in Obesity Epidemic: Congress, States Consider Electronic Surveillance of Your Kids' BMI - ABC News

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/tool-obesity-epidemic-congress-states-electronic-surveillance-kids/story?id=9998511

Healthier Communities Newsletter - May 2010, Volume 14 No Survey Questions

Welcome to the May 2010, Volume 14 edition of the Healthier Communities Initiatives Newsletter! Click here http://surveys.ymcaexchange.org/survey/167546/85178fe9/ to view the latest updates.We hope the newsletter is engaging and helpful towards your work.
Sincerely,
The Healthier Communities Initiatives Team

National Physical Activity Plan Launch Day

The U.S. National Physical Activity Plan has a vision: One day, all Americans will be physically active and they will live, work, and play in environments that facilitate regular physical activity.
The Plan is a comprehensive set of policies, programs, and initiatives that aim to increase physical activity in all segments of the American population. The Plan is the product of a private-public sector collaborative. Hundreds of organizations are working together to change our communities in ways that will enable every American to be sufficiently physically active. For more information http://www.physicalactivityplan.org/

CDC Report about Physical Activity and Academic Achievement

http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/health_and_academics/pdf/pa-pe_paper.pdf

Body Works - Classes Available

Tired of every week being a rush from work, to school, to your child's afterschool activity, to the grocery store to home with no idea of what to make for dinner? Enroll in BodyWorks and learn new ways to manage your family's nutrition and physical activity with a little more parental sanity. Your 15-hour investment may just save your children from a range of overweight-related chronic disease and will definitely make you more productive parent. Plus, it will save you money. Taking the class with all its advantages is better than your current routine--GUARANTEED OR YOUR MONEY BACK! Which is even more good news - the program won't cost you a thing. The CINCH BodyWorks program has 47 trainers looking for a class to teach. Now might be a good time for you to see if your employer, church, sports team, or neighbors might enjoy taking this 10-week obesity prevention program. This is not a diet program - it is wellness-oriented. Call CINCH now to enroll, and you will receive a whole toolbox of materials, created by the U.S.Dept of Health, Office on Women's Health, including cookbooks, mealplanning and exercise organizers, grocery shopping tips and informational books for you and your children. You'll also appreciate 10-classes that are filled with new ideas and support by people who can help you get organized to raise healthy and active children, and find time for your own physical activity and nutrition. Minimal of 15 participates. Call CINCH today - 668-6426.

Webinar: Partnering with Schools to Decrease Childhood Obesity

Thursday, May 27, 2010 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. EST (11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. PST) Cost: $0 - Free There are no CEUs for this session. #1 of a 3-part ACHIEVE Healthy Communities Webinar Series
This webinar will highlight the successes of communities in Tennessee, Wyoming, and South Dakota and will discuss how they improved communication between schools and park and recreation agencies. Guest speakers will include Annette Wilson from the Jackson Madison County Schools, Katrina Lorenzen from the Natrona County School District, and Tiffany Sanchez from Pierre, SD. You will learn about the policy and environmental changes these communities have implemented and hear from ACHIEVE team members in the field about their experiences within schools. Register Today!
ACHIEVE (Action Communities for Health, Innovation, and EnVironmental changE) is a CDC grant initiative that funds national organizations to work through local affiliates to advance local community leadership in the nation's effort to prevent chronic diseases and related risk factors.
ACHIEVE Healthy Communities Webinar Series
The ACHIEVE Healthy Communities Webinar Series will consist of three webinars (May, July, and September) focusing on policy, systems and environmental change. Guest speakers from the NRPA ACHIEVE communities nationwide will present success stories and discuss the lessons they learned from their efforts to decrease chronic disease.

CINCH BodyWorks Countdown is On!

Want to learn how to better manage family nutrition and activity for optimal health? Take a minute to call or email us to enroll in BodyWorks. Ten 90-minute sessions with fabulous materials, super support, and lots of new friends will make the difference in your approach to cooking, shopping and having fun with your family while staying healthy. Start today improving your nutrition and activity IQ and inspiring your family to exciting eating and activity adventures! Call 757-668-6442 or email BodyWorks@evms.edu. You can also get more information by going to http://www.womenshealth.gov/bodyworks/ .

HealthierUS School Challenge

HealthierUS School ChallengeRecognizing Excellence in Nutrition and Physical Activity
The HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) was established to recognize schools that are creating healthier school environments through their promotion of good nutrition and physical activity. Four levels of superior performance are awarded: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold of Distinction.
How It Works To be certified as a HUSSC School, a school must:
be enrolled as a Team Nutrition School offer reimbursable lunches that demonstrate healthy menu planning practices and principles of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and that meet USDA nutrition standards provide nutrition education to students provide students with physical education and the opportunity for physical activity maintain an Average Daily Participation of school enrollment for reimbursable lunches adhere to guidelines established by FNS for foods served/sold in schools outside the National School Lunch Program.
Take the Challenge!
Step One: Review these HUSSC resources to assist you in completing your application:
Criteria for HUSSC Awards Criteria for Elementary Schools Criteria for Secondary Schools Comparison Criteria for All Schools
Fact Sheets for Healthier School Meals
Frequently Asked Questions
Guidance on Vegetables, Dry Beans and Peas
HealthierUS School Vision
Tips for States
Whole Grains Resource
Step Two: Convene a review panel.
Step Three: Complete and print the online application.
Step Four: Obtain the required signatures.
Step Five: Send the completed application to your state agency.
Recognition
Award-winning schools are recognized with a framed certificate and award banner from USDA to showcase their achievement in the community. HUSSC schools also receive national recognition by being listed on the Team Nutrition Web site. Awards are certified for 4 years from the date of approval.